You might be wondering, “What is the Fish House Parade?” It’s a unique celebration where locals and businesses creatively adorn their ice fishing shacks to compete for the title of best float in this whimsical parade.

The Aitkin Fish House Parade has been a community tradition in Aitkin, Minnesota since 1991:

• How it started: The parade was created to celebrate the start of the holiday season and to welcome guests to the community. 

• What it features: The parade features creatively decorated ice fishing shacks competing for the title of best float.

• How it's celebrated: The parade is a big part of the day, but there are also events for all ages, including crafts, bake sales, and more.

Join over 3,000 visitors from across the U.S. for a day filled with Minnesota spirit! Kick off with the Fishhouse 5K, bring the kids to meet Santa, explore the vintage snowmobile exhibit, shop from delightful local business/vendors, and enjoy the parade in downtown Aitkin.

Don’t forget to bundle up and dress warm!

Save the date, and check back for a complete schedule of the day’s exciting events as we get closer!

Parade is at 1PM

Experience the magic of the

World Famous Fish House Parade

> November 28th, 2025 <

SOME OF THE EVENTS HAPPENING

8AM-10AM Fish House 5K

Day of Registration 8AM, Race Start 10am

North of Ordinary 85 4th St NW

10AM-12PM Meet & Greet with Santa Claus

Photos welcome and Small gift given

Ripple Center 301 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-4PM Sip N’ Stroll - Downtown Aitkin Area

Big Tom’s Diner, American Legion, Riverside Pub, Block North, Locker Room, Moose Lodge

10AM Until Soup is Gone FREE SOUP & COCOA

PETALS OF PEACE 209 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-1PM Music & Sketching

Fortunato Art Studio 301 Minnesota Ave

10AM-2PM Glacial Lakes Brewers Beer Poke Party

3rd St between Minnesota Ave N and 1st Ave NE

10AM-3PM Mille Lacs Trails & Aitkin Sno-Drifters Vintage Snowmobile Show

3rd St between Minnesota Ave N and 1st Ave NE

10AM-3PM Winter Craft Market

Ripple Center 301 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-4PM Christmas Through the Holidays

Aitkin Historical Society 20 Pacific St SW

10AM-4PM Chilli & Hotdogs

Moose Lodge 22 4th St NE

10:30AM-1PM United Methodist Soup

Rialto Theater 220 Minnesota Ave N

11AM-3PM Christmas Marketplace

Jaques Art Center 121 2nd St NW

1PM-2PM World Famous Fish House Parade

Route is from the Fairgrounds to the Post Office

Float Award Categories - Enter a float below!

• Fantastic Fish House

(most creative fish house)

• Judge’s Choice

(bribbing is allowed)

• Coolest Kids In Town

(best youth participation)

10AM-ALL DAY Comfort Food

2PM Mega Meat Raffle

American Legion 86 20 1st Ave NE

After Parade Until Soup Is Gone Free Soup

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice or Hamburger Vegetable

The Landing 145 Southgate Dr

4PM-6PM Free Live Music by Molly Lu

The 40 Club 960 2nd ST NW

ENTER A FLOAT INTO THE PARADE - IT IS FREE!

Line up starts as early as 10AM at the Aitkin County Fairgrounds and the parade starts at 1PM. We ask candy be handed, not thrown.

Judging Categories:

Best Fish House - Show off your shack! Whether it’s funny, festive, or just plain cool, this award goes to the most standout fish house on wheels.

Best Kids Float - Let the kids take the reins! To qualify, kids must be doing most of the interacting and making the magic happen.

Judge’s Choice - The judge’s favorite float of the parade! Anything goes, and creativity wins.

STOCK UP ON THIS YEAR’S GEAR

Available at the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce office starting Wednesday 11/26

Long Sleeve - $20 | Hooded Sweatshirt - $40